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Dog First Aid Kits for

Innovation - Experience - Quality

For over 26 years, Outdoor Safety has been an industry leader in sport dog first aid kit design and manufacturing. The Outdoor Safety name is trusted by sport dog owners, law enforcement K-9 handlers, professional trainers, field & agility handlers, and family pet owners. Our veterinarian and trainer approved sport dog first aid kits are the most comprehensive on the market today, with quality that exceeds expectations. A variety of models are available to fit every need and budget.

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What Should a Dog First Aid Kit Contain?

By Clint Ronnenberg – owner/founder Outdoor Safety, LLCWhether you purchase a dog first aid kit from us, one of our competitors, or put one together yourself, the most important thing is that you actually have one. I believe that anyone who lives, works, or plays with a dog should have a dog first aid kit on stand-by. Whether you and your dog are afield, at work, camping, traveling or at home, having a K9 first aid kit available could save your dog’s life....

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What Should a Dog First Aid Kit Contain?

By Clint Ronnenberg – owner/founder Outdoor Safety, LLC

Whether you purchase a dog first aid kit from us, one of our competitors, or put one together yourself, the most important thing is that you actually have one. I believe that anyone who lives, works, or plays with a dog should have a dog first aid kit on stand-by. Whether you and your dog are afield, at work, camping, traveling or at home, having a K9 first aid kit available could save your dog's life.

In our 24 years of manufacturing canine first aid kits, the most asked question is, “What should I have in my dog first aid kit?” There is no one answer to that question - it all depends on the job or activity that your dog will be participating in, and the health risks he/she will confront. If your dog is taking part in sporting activities like hunting, field trials or agility competitions, then you’d want to have a more extensive kit. If your dog mostly stays around the house, a more basic kit should be enough. If you travel with your dog or go hiking or camping, then probably something in between should work.

With that said, consider having the following components in your dog first aid kit:

Recommended information

Phone numbers: Start with your veterinarian’s phone number. If you’re traveling, locate and write down the nearest emergency veterinary clinic’s phone number and address (include directions to the clinic). Also, have the number for a poison control hotline.

Medical Records / History for your dog can be placed in a zip-lock bag. Include: Proof of up-to-date rabies and other vaccinations, important medical records including a list of any prescriptions. If you haven’t already done so, consider micro-chipping and using a lost pet locator service like 1-800-HELP-4-Pets, in case your 4-legged pal gets lost. It’s best to use both of these methods.

Dog first aid supplies (including, but not limited to these items)

Dog first aid book

Nylon kennel lead / leash

Cohesive bandage (bandage that adheres to itself but not to animal fur)

Non-stick bandage pads

Muzzle (which can be made with 4 feet of gauze bandage from a gauze roll). Don’t muzzle, if your dog is vomiting, drooling, coughing, choking, having difficulty breathing, etc.

ABD Trauma pad

Adhesive or Plasti-Pore Tape

Antiseptic wipes

Silver Mylar emergency blanket for hypothermia and shock

Cotton balls and swabs

Gauze bandage roll

Hydrogen peroxide to be used as a wound antiseptic and to induce vomiting when necessary (as advised by a veterinarian or poison control center)

Instant cold pack

Vinyl exam gloves

Rectal thermometer (digital, never mercury)

Scissors, blunt tipped

Hemostat forceps, locking

Thumb dressing forceps (tweezers)

Sterile saline solution for wound flushing

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl® or generic), if approved by your veterinarian for allergic reactions like bee stings. The dosage is generally based on your dog’s weight, so check with your veterinarian for the correct dosage.

Energy and electrolyte supplement such as Rehydrate® and Nutri-Cal® paste for dogs.

Nail trimmer

Antibiotic ointment & hydrocortisone cream

Oral syringe

Splints (SAM® splint or wooden splints)

Stop bleeding powder (like WoundSeal®) or a styptic pencil

Exam towels

Remember…

Common sense and keeping a level head is very important in any canine emergency. Chances are, there is going to be blood present. You will have a dog that is in pain, is frightened and confused. If you remain calm, your decision making skills will be improved and it may help keep your dog calmer, as well.

The purpose of a dog first aid kit is to bridge the gap between the emergency and prompt veterinary treatment. It’s called the two Ts of first aid: Treat & Transport.

Finally, be mindful of your limitations. If you’re not a veterinarian, no dog first aid kit will make you one. Do your best to temporarily treat your dog’s situation and then get the dog to a veterinarian – quickly, but safely.

Hopefully, this information will help you prepare to keep your canine buddy safe, whether at home or on the go.